Structures Engineer

Vast contract / Overeenkomst onbepaalde tijd

Noordwijk,

14 Nov 2024

    We are looking for a Structures Engineer (E3) to join our Akkodis Aerospace team, working onsite at the European Space Agency in the Netherlands. 


    General tasks to be performed: 


    Design and Configuration

    • Support spacecraft and launcher configuration studies for Agency projects. This includes operating CAD tools and participation in Concurrent Design Facility (CDF) sessions at ESTEC.
    • Perform mass, inertia and balance calculations and relevant budget assessments.
    • Issue relevant documentation covering all configuration definition aspects, and where necessary shall support the configuration definition by preliminary structural analyses using FEM models.
    • Ensure CAD interfaces and configuration data transfer with Agency contractors via international standards.
    • Ensure the interface between the CAD systems and the relevant FEM tools to enable further evaluation of the structural behaviour.
    • Contribute to the further development of the Structures and Configuration tools deployed in the Agency, including in the CDF.
    • Support progress meetings and reviews in support to Agency projects.
    • Support the updating and maintenance of CAD and FE models databases.
    • Support and contribute to the establishment and maintenance of relevant Structures Engineering Standards and Handbooks

    Structural Dynamics Analysis and Vibration Test Data Evaluation

    Structural Dynamics:

    • Support the generation and set-up of structural dynamic mathematical models for spacecraft and launchers of Agency funded projects using the finite element method. He/she shall take into account the specific objectives of such analysis and where necessary non-linear approaches shall be considered and specific solution sequences (e.g. Nastran DMAPS) shall be developed.
    • Perform the analysis (modal, frequency and transient responses, random responses, preliminary in-house launcher – spacecraft coupled analysis), evaluate critically the results and issue relevant documentation covering all analysis steps.
    • Produce advanced reduced models of spacecraft and launchers.
    • Set up relevant documents and maintain all models and tools required to perform launcher – spacecraft coupled loads analysis.


    Fluid / Structures, Vibro-acoustic and Shock Modelling and Analysis:

    • Support the generation and set-up of dynamic mathematical models for fluid/structure interaction effects, vibro-acoustic and shock response for spacecraft, launchers and instruments of Agency funded projects using the Finite Element, the Boundary Element, and the Statistical Energy Analysis method where applicable, taking into account the specific objectives of such analyses for incompressible and compressible fluids. The above shall include (but not be limited to) tanks with / without membranes, solar arrays, spacecraft subsystem and system models.
    • Perform dynamic analysis (modes, frequency / transient / acoustic responses / shock responses), evaluate critically the results and issue relevant documentation covering all analysis steps.
    • Take into account the specific objectives of such analyses and where necessary non-linear approaches shall be considered and specific solution sequences shall be developed. 
    • Support the identification of technology developments in this area aiming at enhancing relevant tools and methodologies.
    • Dynamic Test Data Analysis and Correlation:
    • Support the preparation and execution of mechanical tests (modal survey, sine, random, acoustics, micro-vibration, shock, etc) for spacecraft & launchers of Agency projects by performing and/or reviewing analytical predictions and procedures.
    • Perform modal identification of the test data, evaluate critically the results and make usage of these results for updating structural finite element models.
    • Perform assessments of shock response data.
    • Take into account the specific objectives of such analyses and where necessary non-linear analyses shall be performed and specific solution sequences shall be developed.
    • Issue relevant documentation covering all analysis steps. Where applicable produce advanced reduced dynamic mathematical models.

    Welkom bij Akkodis

    Akkodis has proudly supported the Aerospace & Defence industry in the Netherlands for decades. Our partnership with the European Space Agency (ESA) has been one of the many success stories allowing our people to expand their career horizons. Akkodis experts are contributing to some of the most important technical advances in Aerospace and Defence which impact the way we live our lives today, through specialised engineering expertise and other required skillsets. This could be your future. Become part of our successful team!


    About ESA-ESTEC 

    The European Space Agency (ESA) has sites in several European countries. 

    The European Space Research and Technology Centre (ESTEC), has grown into ESA’s largest establishment and the technical and organizational hub of Europe’s space sector. Missions designed and tested at ESTEC are circling Earth, have landed on planetary bodies and have probed far into the Solar System.

    The infrastructure and equipment assembled here, together with the expert knowhow of its 2800 personnel, make ESTEC a unique resource for Europe. The work done here by teams skilled in every aspect of engineering for space has enabled the creation of novel communication, navigation and information services, creating new jobs and growth while improving the lives of European and world citizens.


    Kandidaat Profiel

    To successfully perform the above mentioned tasks, the following background / experience is required: 


    • A Master’s degree or equivalent in mechanical or aeronautical engineering.
    • Relevant experience within the field of spacecraft- and launcher structures design, analysis, verification and testing.
    • Good knowledge in space system engineering, and space engineering standards (ECSS). 
    • Knowledge and experience of structures numerical analysis tools such as Nastran, Patran, Abaqus, ESACRACK etc
    • Good interpersonal and communication skills. Ability to work effectively, autonomously and cooperatively in a diverse and international team environment, defining and implementing solutions in line with team and individual objectives, as well as project deadlines. 
    • Good working knowledge of engineering software tools used in the Section (CATIA V6, ABAQUS) and application of these tools in the design and analysis of lightweight (aerospace) structures would be an asset.

    Please send your CV to recruitmentaerospace@akkodisgroup.com before 09/12/2024